Aston Martin has announced that Fernando Alonso will not attend Thursday’s media day in Brazil as he continues to receive specialist treatment for an intestinal infection.
Last week, the Spanish driver also missed media day in Mexico due to an unspecified illness that left him unable to make it to the track for Thursday’s schedule.
Although Alonso completed a standard race weekend at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, returning to the paddock on Friday for the second practice session, he will once again be absent from media activities in Brazil at the Interlagos circuit.
Ahead of the weekend, Aston Martin issued a statement confirming that Alonso is battling an infection that requires specialized care.
“Aston Martin Aramco Formula 1 Team confirms that Fernando Alonso will miss his media day activities in Brazil,” read the statement. “Fernando had suffered with an intestinal infection in the lead-up to the Mexico City Grand Prix.
“He returned to Europe to receive further treatment from a specialist. The extra day of treatment has delayed his travel plans to Brazil but ensures he will be ready for this weekend’s racing.”
The team’s reserve driver, Brazilian Felipe Drugovich, will be on standby at Interlagos in case Alonso encounters further preparation delays ahead of the weekend.
Alonso retired early from the Mexico City Grand Prix due to debris affecting his brake duct. However, he appeared in good spirits when speaking to the media afterward, appreciative of the concern shown by his peers and colleagues following his paddock return.
“A lot of love from everyone in the paddock this weekend, a lot of respect,” he said. “It was nice to feel all of that. And I take it.
“I have a positive feeling after this weekend, despite the result, after the emotions that I was going through from Friday to now.”
With Aston Martin showing strong form at last year’s Brazilian Grand Prix, Alonso expressed optimism for an improved performance at Interlagos once the race weekend kicks off. “Looking forward to a better result,” he said.
“First of all, the performance needs to get better. It was an unlucky weekend with a yellow flag yesterday in Q2 and today’s debris on the front brake duct.”
